The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1887-02-24
Aso4HER cHARlrAnLE yEro.

President CLeceiand Disapprores the 6p-
Proprtation for Ieros Drought Sufferers.
The following is the message OF the presi.
dent vetoing the bill for the distribution OF
seeds in Texas:
To the House Of Representatives: / re-
turn without my approval house bill No.
l0203 entitled: "An act to enable tie
commissions OF agriculture to make a spe
cfal distribution in the drought-stricken
counties OF Texas, and making ~appropIia-
ton therefor"
II is represented that long continued and
extensive drought has existed in certain
parts OF the state Of Texas resulting in the
ailur OF crops and consequent distress
and restitution. Though there has been
some difference in the statements concern.
ing the extent OF the peoples needs in 10.
ealities thus affected. there seems TO be no
doubt that there has existed a condition
calling for the relief. and | am willing TO be-
lieve that notwithstanding the aid already
furnished the donation OF seed grain to
the farmers located in this region, to
enable them to put in new crops, would
serve TO avert a continuance or return OF
an unfortunate blight; and yet | feel
Obliged TO withhold my approval OF the
plan as proposed by this bill, to indulge a
benevolent and charitable sentiment
through the appropriation OF public funds
Tor that purpose. l can find no warrant
for such appropriation in the constitution,
and / do not believe that the power and
duty OF the general government ought to
be extended TO the relief OF individual SUI
fering which is in no manner properly rela-
ted to the public service or benefit. The
prevalent tendency to disregard the limited
mission OF this power and duty should, /
think, be steadfastly resisted to the end.
That reason should be constantly enforced
that though the people support the gov
eminent the government should not support
the people. Friendliness and the charity OF
Our countrymen can always be relied upon
to relieve their fellow-citizens in mis-
fortune. This has been repeatedly and
quite lately demonstrated. Federal aid in
such rases encourages the expectation OF
paternal care on the part OF the govern
ment and weakens the sturdiness OF our
national character. while it prevents in
diligence among our people OF that kindly
sentiment and conduct which strengthens
the bonds of common brotherhood. 1t
was within my personal knowledge that
individual aid has to some extent already
been extended to the sufferers mentioned
in this bill. The failure Of the proposed
appropriation of $4,000 additional to
meet their remaining wants VIII not neceS-
sarily result in continued distress if the
emergency is fully made known to the peo-
pie of the country. 1t is here suggested
that the commissioner OF agriculture is
annually directed to expend n large sum
of money for the propagation and dis
tributiOn of seeds and other things
of this description, two-thirds of which
are upon the request OF senator's, rep
representatives and delegates in congress.
supplied to them for distribution among
their constituents. The appropriation for
the current year for this purpose is $780,
600 and it will probably be no less in the
appropriation for the ensuing year. l I'M
derstand that a large quantity Of grain is
furnished for such distribution, and it is
supposed that this free apportionment
among their neighbors is n privilege which
may be waived by our senators and repre-
seDtatives. II a sufficient number of them
should request the commissioner OF agri.
culture to send their shares of grain thus
allowed them to the suffering farmers OF
Texas. they might be able to SOW their
crops. The constituents for whom in
theory this grain is intended could well
bear "A temporary deprivation and the
donors would experience the satisfaction
attending deeds OF charity.